The Wonders of Water

Intro: Ample consumption of water is vital for 

maintaining good health.Good news for women is 

that it also helps in weight loss... 

Consuming water is essential for our bodies. By drinking healthy amount of clean water one can gain tremendous health benefits. Our bodies are mostly made up of water - the brain alone consists of 90% water, on the other hand blood contains 83% water, lean muscle has 75% water and bone has 22% water. Many experts also agree that water is one of the most powerful forms of treatment as it transports nutrients and oxygen to the cells. It also helps the organs absorb nutrients better. 

Fat loss by drinking water

One of the most important benefits of water that might appeal to the majority of women is that it helps in weight loss. Water has many health benefits and by increasing its consumption with a decreased intake of fatty foods, it can help in shedding those unnecessary pounds. Following are the reasons how water helps in fat loss:

A) Curbs hunger: 

Water helps in curbing hunger as it is a natural appetite suppressant. It is also a fact that insufficient fluid intake leads to over eating because our brains cannot differentiate between hunger and thirst. If there is slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and you may eat when the body is actually only craving for water. In other words when you think you are hungry, your body may in fact be telling you that you are thirsty. As most food contains some water, if you don't drink enough water, you may be subconsciously driven to eat more to gain the necessary water supply and as a result, you gain more calories and more weight!

B) Makes you feel full:

Water is filling and calorie free and takes up the room in your stomach, making you feel full. This means that because of the consumption of water you'll eat less and feel less hungry.

C) Replaces sugary drinks:

Sodas, sugary drinks and shakes all contain calories. For instance half a cup of fruit juice contains between 45 and 80 calories. By drinking all these sugary drinks you will just end up adding a considerable number of calories to your body, while water on the other hand has zero calories. Replace sugary drinks with water and those extra calories will be gone pronto!

D) Metabolism is boosted:

Water consumption increases the metabolism of the body. Increased metabolism means that there is an increase in the calorie burn and fat loss. Research has proved that after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water, there is a 30 per cent increase in the calorie burning rate within a time frame of 30-40 minutes. A person who increases his water consumption by 1.5 litres a day would burn an extra 17,400 calories. The more water you have, the more weight you will lose.

Water as a cure

Consuming water can keep you healthy and is a good source of treatment for many health problems. Drinking a healthy amount of water can help cure the following health issues:

* Drinking 12 glasses daily can help treat kidney stones as water has the ability to dissolve the substances that form stones. 

* Urinary tract infection can be prevented. The more water you drink, the more you will urinate. Water helps flush out harmful bacteria from the bladder.

* Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and reduces the risk of bladder cancer and colon cancer.

* Patients with diarrhoea require water to prevent dehydration. Mix a glass of water with 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and drink as much as you can. 

* Treats cough, colds, sore throat, and respiratory infections. 

* Taking 2-3 gulps of water every 20 minutes or so can help flush the stomach acid away, hence, reducing heartburn.

* Water prevents constipation and its complications. Too little water can harden the stool and lead to haemorrhoids and diverticulosis, a disease of the large bowel. 

* Water keeps the body alert and energetic. If you're dehydrated, your blood literally becomes thick. This makes it harder for the blood to circulate and as a result, the brain becomes less active and you may end up feeling confused and fatigued. 

The health benefits of drinking water are numerous.  Here are some of the advantages: 

* Natural remedy: Drinking an ample amount of water helps to relieve headache and back pains that occur due to dehydration. 

* Look young with healthier skin: You'll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturises skin and increases skin elasticity. It also keeps the skin soft and radiant. 

* Better productivity at work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better.

* Better exercise: Water regulates the body temperature and helps fuel the muscles, hence providing more energy during exercise. 

* Less cramps and sprains: Proper hydration helps keep joints and muscles lubricated, so you will be less likely to get cramps and sprains.

* Relieves fatigue: Water is required to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If the body lacks water, the heart needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all the cells.

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